Stock Market & Financial Investment News

Fuel surcharges up on international flights, NY Times reportsFuel surcharges on trans-Atlantic flights have increased significantly since last month, The New York Times reported yesterday. Reference Link

American Express confirms end of partnership with JetBlueAmerican Express (AXP) confirmed in a regulatory filing that the company was unable to reach terms to renew its cobrand relationship with JetBlue (JBLU) recently. The Fly notes that Bloomberg first reported on February 13 that JetBlue was ending its agreement with American Express.

JPMorgan to hold a conferenceGlobal High Yield & Leveraged Finance Conference is being held in Miami Beach, FL on February 23-25 with webcasted company presentations to begin on February 24 at 7:40 am; not all company presentations may be webcasted. Webcast Link

Buckeye Partners reduces FY14 revenue by $40M due to settlement discussionsBuckeye Partners (BPL) announced revisions to its financial results for Q4 and FY14 due to a recent development. As has been previously disclosed, commencing in September 2012, Delta Air Lines (DAL), JetBlue (JBLU), United/Continental Air Lines (UAL), US Airways, and American Airlines (AAL) filed complaints with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission challenging rates for transportation of jet fuel from New Jersey to three New York City area airports charged by Buckeye Pipe Line Company, an operating subsidiary of Buckeye. The Airlines are seeking payments for alleged past excessive charges and prospective tariff rate reductions. As the litigation has progressed, BPLC and the Airlines have continued to pursue settlement discussions. Due to positive developments in those settlement discussions subsequent to Buckeye's issuance of its 2014 earnings on Friday, February 6, Buckeye has recorded a reduction in revenue in the amount of $40M for the year ended December 31, 2014 in accordance with applicable accounting guidance regarding contingencies. This reduction in revenue is a one-time charge; therefore, Adjusted EBITDA and distributable cash flow for 2014 remain as reported on February 6th. The $40M is based upon a settlement offer made by BPLC to satisfy the claims for alleged past excessive charges through December 31, 2014, which offer has not been accepted by the Airlines. "While we continue to pursue settlement of this matter, we are not able to predict with certainty the final outcome of the proceeding, should it be carried through to its conclusion, or whether we can reach a satisfactory settlement and, if so, whether or not it will be on more or less favorable terms," the company said.

Alaska Air purchasing six Boeing Extended Range aircraftAlaska Airlines (ALK) is purchasing six more Boeing (BA) 737-900 Extended Range aircraft, valued at $594M. Boeing's current list price. The new planes, four scheduled for delivery in 2016 and two in 2017, bring Alaska's total of locally manufactured jets on order to 79.